Chapter 130: Checkmate

"Oh, I know that. I am also testing her to see her limit. I wasn't expecting this much when Serafall said that her sister was a genius. If she is given the right training, she could give Renner a run for her money." Arthur said to Friday.

"Is that why you said to Rias that you will make her strong, despite knowing she has no other option?" Sona asked calmly and looked at Arthur. She also moved her Knight piece. 

Arhur leaned forward, his purple eyes locked in Sona's sharp gaze. Sona didn't know why it felt hypnotic to look into Arthur's eye; the eye looks like it knows everything the world has to offer.

He moved his bishop diagonally, positioning it closer to her remaining pieces.

Seeing that Sona was just looking at Arthur with paying attention to game, Tsukaki pretends to have a cough, and she wakes Sona.

—It was one of incubus passive ability that made Sona enter a dream-like state—

"You misunderstood me, President," Arthur said smoothly. "Rias isn't someone I forced into anything, just as Grayfia and Serafall. She has her will, her choices. I merely presented her with an opportunity to fulfil her dreams. Its up to her to rise to challenge—or not."

Sona adjusted her glass, "An opportunity that conveniently benefits you as. You wouldn't have approached her if there wasn't something you wanted in return as well." 

Arthur smirked at this replay, appreciating her perceptiveness about him. "You give me far too much credit. My offer to Rias was straightforward: strength in exchange for the effort she took. If I wanted to manipulate Rias or any of you, then I wouldn't have said that I am a seer or that I came from Nazarick. Transparency isn't exactly a hallmark of manipulation."

Sona moved her rook; her was serious, just like the time when Shalltear asked me if I was interested in fucking her while torturing her with a holy weapon. Not like some light BDSM play type...fuck that, even hardcore BDSM lovers will get traumatized by sex play Shalltear Pull off.

Oh god, she was frecky, and I love her for that.

Anyway, back to Sona.

"Transparency can also be a strategy. You've already positioned yourself as someone trustworthy by healing issei with a rare potion. But you're avoiding my question. What's your endgame?" Sona asked.

Fuck you all.

[Sir, your words can easily be misunderstood.] 

Oh, is that so? Then make love with you all.

"Endgame? That's a rather dramatic way to phase it. If you must know, then my goal is simple: to create...strong allies...yes, allies. Rias has potential, and I am giving him a chance to untape that potential." 

Sona tapped her fingers against the table, her knight moving closer to Arthur's defenses. "And in doing so, you're ensuring her loyalty. A subtle form of control, but control nonetheless."

Arthur's smirk deepened. "Control is overrated, President. Loyalty isn't something you can demand—it's earned. If Rias chooses to stand by me after this, it will be because she believes in the path I've shown her, not because I twisted her arm."

Sona paused, studying him intently. "You speak like someone who's accustomed to wielding influence. Yet, your words don't align with Nazarick's reputation. The Ancient One isn't known for granting freedom or choice—from what I hear, he's a bit paranoid. Why should I believe you're any different?"

Paranoid? Me? Who is spreading this rumors?

[It's Aphrodite, sir. She is jealous, as you haven't visited her in century.]

[Or Freyja, after you screwed her, she can't forget you.]

[Or Gaia, You did scammed her by...]

"I get it; you don't have to spill out my entire history, jeez, this is the problem with living dictionary."

[If you weren't a walking sex machine, then I wouldn't have reminded you this, sir.]

"Anyway, that's in the past, so let's continue."

Arthur's expression grew thoughtful as he moved his rook, setting up a subtle trap. "Perhaps you shouldn't. Belief is a luxury that comes with trust, and trust must be earned. You have no reason to trust me, and that's perfectly fine. But actions speak louder than reputations, wouldn't you agree?"

Sona's gaze flickered briefly to the chessboard before returning to Arthur. "Actions like healing Issei? Or offering Rias training that conveniently puts her in your debt? You're walking a fine line between benevolence and self-interest."

Arthur leaned back in his chair; his demeanor was calm. "Aren't we all, President? Every move we make, every decision—it's all a balance of self-interest and altruism. The difference is, I don't pretend otherwise."

Sona moved her queen, her piece now threatening one of Arthur's knights. "You're clever; I'll give you that. But cleverness isn't the same as trustworthiness. If you truly have no ulterior motive, then why involve yourself with Rias at all?"

Arthur moved his knight to block her attack, "Because sometimes, potential deserves a push. Rias reminds me of someone I once knew—someone who needed guidance to realize their strength. Perhaps it's sentimentality. Or perhaps," he added with a faint smile, "I simply enjoy a good challenge."

Sona's brow furrowed slightly at his words, but she said nothing. Her fingers hovered over her rook before moving it forward, pressing closer to Arthur's king. "If that's true, then you must understand why I'm cautious. Rias is my friend, and I won't stand by if I believe she's being used."

Arthur's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Of course, you won't. That's what makes you an excellent strategist, President. Your ability to see multiple steps ahead is commendable."

He moved his queen with precision, placing it in a position that seemed inconspicuous at first glance. "But if you're going to play the role of protector, you should remember one thing: sometimes, the best way to defend is to attack."

Sona's eyes flickered to the board, her focus sharpening as she noticed the shift in their positions. "An interesting philosophy," she said, her tone measured. She moved her bishop, trying to counter his queen's position.

Arthur leaned forward, his gaze never leaving hers. "Philosophy is just a guide. Execution is what truly matters."

"Checkmate."

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